Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-05-12
GIVING A LIGHT.
The Manners OF Spanish, German, English
and American Smokers.

The Manners or Spanish, German, English
and American Smokers.
There is certain variety in the
manner of giving and taking a light
for Il cigar that is interesting to all
smokers. The Italians and French
successfully copy the Spanish style,
which is the most graceful and ele-
CANT of all, the only possible objection
to it being that it may sometimes carry
politeness beyond a reasonable range.
But, after all, it is simple and friendly
enough. The Spaniard bows and asks
his neighbor for a light. The latter,
returning the bow, Immediately pre-
sents him with his cigar. holding out
the lighted end at Il slight angle be-
tween the thumb and second finger.
The other takes the cigar and. after
procuring the needed fire from it, re-
verses it skillfully and returns it, the
entire operation being accompanied by
another graceful bow, and each raises
his hat as he turns to go away. The
Spaniard always smokes through his
nose. He considers it extravaganza to
waste any good smoke through his
mouth, and inveterate smokers in all
Will
The German is more polite in asking
for light than he is in giving it. Even
with the best intentions, in the latter
case his efforts have all the appearance
of reluctance. Sometimes, when his
cigar Is smoked down nearly far
enough, he will throw it away imme-
diately after granting request for fire.
This among the Latins is considered
rude and boorish in the extreme, and
is sometimes regarded as positively in
sulting.
The average Englishman hesitates
before he gives Il light. and finally acts
as if he had achieved a mighty feat in
condescension. Instead of lifting his
hat, his hand is more likely to 90 into
his pocket, and he is apt to give Il part
ing puff with an air of Indignation as
he stalks away. Possibly this comes
from the fact that he never asks for a
light himself, and is always we'll armed
with matches.
The American, of late, seems to be
somewhat averse to letting anyone take
a light from his cigar. He takes it for
granted that it must be much better
than his neighbours, and not wishing to
contaminate it. he answers an appeal
for fire with match. Some times he
politely lights the match, and in such
cases he presents it with an air good
enough for any Spaniard. But this
somewhat new custom may possibly be
of Irish parentage. The Irish peasant
always strikes match for his fireless
friend OF fellow traveller, and even in II
gale of wind he will hold lighted
match in the hollow of his hands and
humorously issue orders for the capture
of the precious flame.
The giving or taking of a light for
cigar is a small affair. but little things
often reveal great deal of the charac-
ter, disposition and breeding of men.
1t should always be offered cheerfully
and taken politely. In this country it
need not be done with that extreme
politeness and elegance which may be
said to be the exclusive property of the
Latins, and which is probably beyond
the reach of colder and more sober
races; but it should be accompanied by
that good fellowship which is governed
by common sense, the foundation of
all politeness.-N y. Sun.